By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, called on Nigerians to contribute their little quota to support the victims affected in the train attacks.
Governor el-Rufai on Tuesday afternoon, received the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who led a delegation to Government House on a condolence visit to the governor and the people of Kaduna State.
The former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu came to commiserate with the state government and people of the state over the recent train attack by terrorists locally known as bandits.
The National Leader sympathised with Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, the people of Kaduna and the entire Nigeria on the Kaduna-Abuja train’s sad event, which took place last week, adding that it was a disaster to all.
“Whatever happens to Nigeria happens to all of us,” he stressed.
Tinubu noted that the country is facing several challenges.
“Seriously Nigeria bleeds. On behalf of everybody, we need to fight the terrorism with all of our energy because whatever that has happened to us, happens to everybody.
“However, it is very sad as some people are still missing, innocent people crushed, families put into sorrow, it is frustrating, but we must submit to the will of God Almighty, at any given time,” he said.
He described the train attack as a national disaster.
According to him, everybody should be concerned about the attacks going on in Kaduna State, which have claimed hundreds of lives and property in recent times.
He added that killings by bandits is no longer acceptable and must stop.
Tinubu urged Governor el-Rufai not to be deterred by the unfortunate incidents, but to continue delivering good governance.
He also appealed to well-to-do Nigerians to support the Kaduna State Government in addressing the humanitarian crises created by bandits attacks.
Speaking further, he said, it is not a shameful thing to be poor, it is only unacceptable to accept poverty as a new, but it is a shameful thing to be callous, wicked and being a bully or a terror to instill fear into humanity and it is not acceptable.
He promised to work with the state Governor Nasir el-Rufai in every aspect and everyway.
“Because you are just a symbol of our unity. We cannot forget that.
“The heart and soul of Nigerians are delighted to hear once a time, we still have a good memory of our first national anthem.
“But if enemies of progress think they can detach you from progress, commitment to service and human development, then we must stand together to say no! Give it all our energy and build a nation that we are very proud of.
“I am here with my entourage to support and pledge that whatever we need to do, we will continue to do in prayers, make reasonable contributions towards your welfare,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to contribute generously their little quota towards the rehabilitation of those victims who are still either in the hospital or recovering in their homes.
Asiwaju who was accompanied by former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, announced the donation of N50 million to victims of the attack.
He was received by Governor el-Rufai and Senators Uba Sani and Suleiman Abdu-Kwari.
Others include a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Senator Abu Ibrahim.
In response, Governor el-Rufai thanked Tinubu for showing solidarity with the people of Kaduna State over the recent attack by cancelling his 70th birthday colloquium in honour of those killed.
He also thanked Tinubu for his commitment to the unity and development of Nigeria.
el-Rufai said he is aware of Tinubu’s presidential ambition, adding that Nigeria is presently at a cross-road, and must take difficult decisions to get the right leaders.
